Displaced Palestinian Student Bursary Program
The Displaced Palestinian Student Support (DPSP) program provides funds for admitted students holding citizenship of Palestine who are experiencing financial need for the upcoming school year's academic and basic living costs.
Eligible students will be assessed domestic tuition rates and may receive up to $25,000 in bursary. They can reapply for funding annually for the duration of their program. To be eligible for domestic tuition and to apply for the bursary, you must hold citizenship of Palestine. Permanent residents or citizens of Canada or countries other than Palestine are not eligible to apply. If you are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, you are eligible to apply for the domestic supplementary bursary program and you will already be assessed domestic tuition.
If you have any questions, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions below or contact us through the Student Service Portal.
eligibility
To receive Displaced Palestinian Student Support, students must hold citizenship of Palestine, not be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or any other country and have been admitted to one of the following programs at the University of Alberta (U of A):
- a full-time or part-time undergraduate degree program starting in the 2025-26 academic year
- a full-time graduate degree program starting in the 2025-26 academic year
Students holding citizenship of Palestine will not be required to pay an application fee. If you have been admitted, upon confirmation of eligibility, you will be assessed domestic tuition.
It is your responsibility to obtain a study permit to attend the U of A. Please review the study permit process information for guidance. Please contact an International Student and Visitor Services advisor if you have any questions or require assistance with the application process.
Applications for undergraduate degree programs are open. Visit the How to Apply web page for more information. For information on applying to graduate degree programs, visit the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
BURSARY Funding
You must receive and accept an offer of admission before you can apply for this bursary program. Eligible students will be sent the bursary application directly, following the offer of admission.
Bursary funding maximums are evaluated on an individual student basis based on needs associated with an educational program and basic living costs for the current academic school year. Eligibility for a bursary does not guarantee that you will receive the full amount of funding to cover all costs.
frequently asked questions
Eligibility
I am an applicant with Palestinian citizenship and wondering if the University of Alberta can help me in any way.
As an applicant with Palestinian citizenship on a Canadian Study Permit, you will be assessed domestic tuition upon admission and may receive up to $25,000. You must receive and accept an offer of admission before you can apply for this financial support program. You can reapply for funding annually for the duration of your program.
The application fee and admission confirmation deposit will be waived. It is recommended that admitted students include the offer of admission and the bursary confirmation documents, if applicable, with their study permit application.
If you have further questions, please visit the Student Service Portal:
- Click on “Student Services Catalog”
- Select "Palestinian Student Support Inquiry Form"
- Complete all required fields in the form
If I am admitted to the University of Alberta, how do I confirm eligibility for this program?
Once you accept your offer of admission, you need to fill out a declaration form that will determine your eligibility to be assessed a domestic tuition rate and to apply for the bursary program.
Log into the Student Service Portal:
- Click on “Student Services Catalog”
- Select "Displaced Palestinian Student Support Eligibility Form"
- Complete the required fields in the form
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
I don’t have access to my final and official transcripts or documents required for admissions. Can I still be admitted?
If you are offered admission, official transcripts and documents will be required. We understand that it may not be possible for you to get them, so we will make exceptions where possible. In order to assess your application, we will require a copy of your transcript, translations and course descriptions and you will need to meet the English language requirements.
If you have further questions, please visit the Student Service Portal:
- Click on “Student Services Catalog”
- Select "Palestinian Student Support Inquiry Form"
- Complete all required fields in the form
Graduate students will need to meet specific English Language Proficiency requirements, and admissions requirements as outlined by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
I planned to take an English Language Proficiency (ELP) test but now won’t be able to — is there any flexibility on this requirement?
You must meet the English language requirements in order to be admitted. The U of A accepts the online versions of ELP tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo.
Graduate students will need to meet specific English Language Proficiency requirements, as outlined by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
Are there any deadline extensions or exceptions for programs with closed applications?
There are no deadline extensions or exceptions for undergraduate programs. The deadline to apply for undergraduate programs is Mar. 1, 2025. Deadlines to apply for graduate programs vary depending on the program. Exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please email graddean@ualberta.ca if the deadline to apply for a graduate program has passed to inquiry about a possible extension.
Financial Supports
What do I need to do to get an application fee waived?
For undergraduate applications, the application fee will be waived automatically based on your country of citizenship.
For graduate applications please contact graddean@ualberta.ca to have your application fee waived.
What do I need to do to get my tuition deposit, paid upon accepting the offer for admission, waived?
If you are offered admission, your tuition deposit will be automatically waived. Once your admission status changes to “Offer,” we will waive your tuition deposit. You do not need to do anything to initiate the process.
How can I receive the domestic tuition rate?
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive a letter from us indicating that you will be assessed domestic tuition.
How can I apply for the bursary program?
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive an invitation and instructions to apply for the bursary from the Student Financial Support team. The bursary amount is based on your demonstrated financial need.
Study Permits
How does the immigration/study permit process work?
Once you have been admitted and have accepted admission to a program of study at the U of A that is longer than six months, you must apply for your study permit. If you are currently in Canada as a visitor, or currently reside in another country, please review the Study Permit information on our website. If you are currently in Canada with a work permit or a study permit, please review the Study Permit “Extension” information on our website.
For assistance and support with the study permit process, you can make an appointment with an International Student Immigration Specialist through the online appointment system.
When applying for your study permit, you need to include your acceptance letter and provincial attestation letter. To demonstrate “Proof of Financial Support” in your study permit application, include the letter confirming your domestic tuition and documentation of bursary, if applicable. Admitted graduate students who will be receiving department funding, should also include confirmation of department funding along with the other financial documents.
The U of A is not able to provide any additional documentation or letters of support for immigration purposes at this time.
Student Support
Are there supports available once I am admitted to the U of A?
If you are located outside of Canada, we will do our best to provide you with pre arrival support, pick up at the airport in Edmonton and assist with various settlement needs, including finding housing and applying for health insurance. For more information, please contact International Student and Visitor Services (ISVS).
All registered students can access health and wellness, academic and career services.